Deciding what to do?

When planning how you might save energy it is useful to work through a series of logical steps:

• Understand how the building currently performs and what is important about the building in terms of its character and appearance.  See Assessing performance
• Carry out repairs using compatible materials and techniques to reinstate its optimum original performance and consider removing damaging alterations and additions which compromise the building’s ability to ‘breathe’. See Are repairs needed?
• Use efficient technology, including heating strategies, controls and equipment. See Using efficient technology
• Control draughts throughout the building. See Installing draught-proofing
• Consider low-risk insulation opportunities such as loft and timber floor insulation. See Installing insulation
• Consider higher risk opportunities such as wall insulation once other works have been explored or carried out. See section on walls under Installing insulation
• Consider installing microgeneration. See Adding microgeneration

The level of energy savings you require will also determine the extent of work you need to carry out to achieve those savings.

To help you decide what you can do to save energy, English Heritage has created a Whole Home Energy Toolkit.

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